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Atticus

He's widely ridiculed as a man who needs a valet to put toothpaste on his brush, but now aides of the Prince of Wales are finally taking action to change his reputation for extravagance.

They are instead painting a picture of an austere man who comes home each night to a simple baked potato supper. The campaign has been prompted by a Channel 4 Dispatches programme that will question Charles's suitability to become king.

The programme, called The Meddling Prince and due for broadcast on March 12, renews previous accusations against Charles of political interference, extravagance and hypocrisy. Clarence House is already condemning the programme as "a cuttings job" and promises a point-by-point rebuttal.

One aide said yesterday: "It's an urban myth that he's extravagant. He gets no satisfaction from seeking to please himself. Not only does he forgo lunch regularly,